Selectively-extendable modular lighting fixture and method

ABSTRACT

A modular, linear-type lighting fixture may include an elongate housing having lengthwise ends, and a pair of endplates adapted for sealing attachment to either lengthwise end of the housing, each of the endplates having respective perimeter surfaces adapted for attachment to any one of a bridge adapted for angularly-directable extension of the housing, a bridge adapted for linear extension of the housing, and an endcap. A modular lighting fixture may include first and second elongate housings each having ends, pairs of endplates for being respectively mated with the first and second ends of the first and second elongate housings, the endplates each having a rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of the endplates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with the respective rims thereof. A lighting fixture may have one or more isolated raceways therein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.10/943,692, filed Sep. 17, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,055 which was acontinuation of patent application Ser. No. 10/156,423, filed May 28,2002, now abandoned.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a lighting fixture and, moreparticularly, to a modular lighting fixture adaptable for beingimplemented in various shapes and configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different types of lighting fixtures, including elongate fixturesfor various applications and locations, are known in the art. Suchfixtures have been installed for illuminating stores, offices,supermarkets, schools, hospitals, banks, and other interior and exteriorareas. Appreciating the versatility of such lighting fixtures, includingthe many engineering designs and configurations, there remains a needfor improving versatility and adaptability of a lighting fixture, inorder to facilitate and enhance particular applications.

Traditional lighting fixtures are not readily adaptable for adjustinglength and changing physical configuration. In particular, conventionalstructures and lighting methods are not adapted for selectivelyimplementing fixtures having different shapes.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved system forimplementing lighting fixtures overcoming some of the problems andshortcomings of the prior art, including those referred to above.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular lighting systemeasily adaptable for creating different shapes and configurations inlinear lighting applications.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lighting system thatprovides one or more isolated raceways for other distributionapplications, for example low voltage wiring, fiber optics, and others.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system forsealingly connecting linear lighting modules to one another.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a modular lightingsystem that allows a designer to implement linear lighting using anynumber of modules having selectable lengths.

How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent fromthe following descriptions and drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate housings each having ends andsidewalls, first and second pairs of unitary endplates respectivelymated with the ends of the first and second elongate housings, theendplates each having a peripheral rim, and a bridge adapted for joiningone of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of theendplates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with therespective peripheral rims thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate linear housings each having ends andsidewalls, and a bridge adapted for sealingly connecting one of the endsof the first elongate housing to one of the ends of the second elongatelinear housing, and for angularly disposing the second elongate linearhousing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes a first elongate housing having ends and sidewalls, an aunitary endplate adapted for sealing connection to an end of the firstelongate housing, and a bridge for sealingly connecting the endplate toat least one additional structure, the bridge being one of an L, T, +,and X type.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate housings each having ends andsidewalls, and a bridge structured for sealing connection of the firstand second elongate housings to one another at respective ones of theirends; wherein the first and second elongate housings, when so connected,are non-colinear.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes an elongate housing having lengthwise ends and sidewalls, and apair of unitary endplates adapted for sealing attachment to eitherlengthwise end of the housing, each of the endplates having respectiveperimeter surfaces adapted for attachment to any one of a bridge adaptedfor angularly-directable extension of the housing, a bridge adapted forlinear extension of the housing, and an endcap.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes an elongate housing having two ends and sidewalls, and at leastone unitary endplate engageable with one of the ends of the elongatehousing, where, when the endplate is engaged with the elongate housing,at least two isolated raceways extend through the elongate housing andthe endplate.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes first and second elongate housings each having ends andsidewalls, two unitary endplates, each having two non-symmetrical endwalls, disposed between the first and second elongate housings, anelongate lens attached to the first elongate housing, and a gasketdisposed between the lens and the first elongate housing for providingfluid-impervious sealing between the lens and the first elongatehousing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes a lighting fixture module having ends and sidewalls, and an aunitary endplate affixed at each of the ends of the lighting fixturemodule, the endplate including an arcuate, inwardly-directed grooveadapted for sealingly receiving an end edge portion of a lens.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes an elongate lighting fixture housing having ends and sidewalls,a pair of unitary endplates respectively affixed at each of the ends ofthe lighting fixture housing, and an elongate lens adapted for matingattachment to the lighting fixture housing and having flanges alongelongate sides thereof that overlie the lighting fixture housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixtureincludes a lens having a flange extending symmetrically along each oftwo longitudinal edges of the lens, and a linear-type lighting fixturehousing having slot-like grooves extending along sidewalls of thehousing, the grooves being adapted for receiving respective ones of theflanges therein, where attachment of the flanges in the grooves effectsfluid-impervious sealing between the lens and the housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of providing amodular lighting fixture includes providing an elongate first housinghaving ends and sidewalls, and providing a pair of unitary endplateswith respective perimeter surfaces adapted for mating attachment toeither end of the first housing, each of the endplates being attachableto any of an angularly-disposing bridge, a ring, and an endcap, wherethe bridge defines a structure adapted for angularly-directableextension of the first housing, and where the ring defines a structureadapted for linear extension of the first housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of lightingincludes providing a fluid-impervious lighting fixture adapted for beinginstalled as any of an individual linear housing section, a continuouslighting fixture made up of individual linear housing sections, and ageometric linear lighting fixture made up of individual linear housingsections.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method includesproviding a selectable number of linear lighting modules each adaptedfor being joined at an end thereof to an end of another of the linearlighting modules, each of the linear lighting modules being of aselectable length, and joining the selected number of linear lightingmodules together to form a lighting fixture having two isolated racewaystherein.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of providing alighting fixture includes providing first and second housing sectionseach having opposite ends and sidewalls, mounting an a unitary endplateto the opposite ends of each of the first and second housings, andsealingly joining together one of the mounted endplates for each of thefirst and second housing sections, thereby sealingly connecting thefirst and second housing sections to one another.

As a result of implementing certain aspects of the invention, lightingfixtures may be characterized as providing “selectably extendable“selectably-extendable,” angularly-directable,” or“selectably-extendable and angularly-directable linear lighting.” Forexample, by joining a number of modules, sections, or housing componentsto one another at end portions or segments thereof, a lineal array ofselectable length or lineal expanse may be provided as required ordesired. Alternatively, the fixture may consist of two linear arraysconnected at ends thereof to define an angle, for example a 90 degreejuncture or corner. In another example, lineal sectors or sections maybe oriented with respect to one another to provide various differentgeometric configurations or shapes. Accordingly, a large variety oflighting design choices may be implemented efficiently. In addition, astructure according to the invention also provides fluid-impervioussealing.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the following further description considered withthe drawing figures.

The foregoing summary does not limit the invention, which is insteaddefined by the attached claims.

BRIEF OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luminaire-type linear lighting fixturemodule having an endcap, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 shows two modular lighting fixture sections joined endwise to oneanother through an interposed coupler ring, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a body section of a lightingfixture with an a unitary endplate affixed to the body section of thelighting fixture for attachment to an endcap, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded fragmentary perspective view showing anend of a body section of a lighting fixture module with an a unitaryendplate secured in place for attachment to a ring-type coupling bridge,according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an a unitary endplate for mounting onan end of the body of a housing section of a lighting fixture module,according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a ring-type coupling bridge secured tothe unitary endplate of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary upward perspective view, with parts omitted forclarity, showing a housing section having an a unitary endplate with acoupler fastened thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8of FIG. 2, and illustrating a manner of securing one housing section orlighting fixture module to another, according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are fragmentary, cross-sectional views taken along theline 9-9 of FIG. 2, with parts omitted for clarity, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of two modular sections joined to oneanother at right angles by means of an “L” type connecting adapter toform an L-node or corner mode assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing three lighting fixture modulesconnected to a joinder adapter configured as a “T” node, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of four lighting fixture modules joinedto a rectangular, four-place coupler to form a “+” node type lightingfixture assembly in which the four modules arms extend at 90 degreeswith respect to adjacent modules, according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture module 24 that may beconfigured in any of several different forms, in this case beingconfigured as a single module fixture 20 by adding endcaps 52. Module 24may also be referred-to referred to herein as “housing section 24” thatincludes a body section 10 and a pair of unitary endplates 34. Module 24may also include a lens 80.

FIG. 2 shows a dual-module lighting fixture 30 having two housingsections 24. The two housing sections 24 of fixture 30 are securedend-to-end to one another at respective facing endplates 34 thereof(e.g., FIGS. 3-5, 7, 8), by a coupler 40 interposed between therespective unitary endplates 34.

Either fixture 20, 30 may be securely mounted at respective generallyplanar bases 48 thereof to a ceiling or similar structure 50. Free endsof housing section 24 may be sealed at unitary endplates 34 thereof withfitted endcaps 52. Endcap 52 abuts and is securely mounted to endplate34, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. Each housing section 24includes opposed lineally-extending side walls 56, 58 extendingco-extensively coextensively with base 48 at elongate upper edges 64 and66 thereof.

Housing sidewalls 56, 58 of elongate modular lineal section 24 areformed of an extruded high-strength metal alloy, such as aluminumalloys, as a body portion 10 of each modular sections 24. Sidewalls 56,58 are formed at opposite elongate edge portions thereof withchannel-like, downwardly-opening grooves 96, 98 that matingly receivetherewithin the elongate free edge portions of lens 80. A gasket (notshown) may also be used for sealing the elongate sides of lens 80 withelongate grooves 96, 98 of housing 24. Lens 80 is preferably formed of ahigh strength plastics high-strength plastic composition.

Elongate, sheet-like, arcuate lens 80 extends generally along the bottomof housing section 24 and is secured at its lengthwise sides tolongitudinally extending longitudinally-extending lower free edges 72,74 of the opposed sidewalls 56 and 58 of housing section 24. In oneembodiment, lens 80 has upwardly-directed flanges 86, 88 (e.g., FIGS.9A-9B) that respectively seat within downwardly-opening elongate groovesor slots 204, 206 in unitary endplate 34 and in channels 96 and 98formed in lower free elongate opposed edge zones 104 and 106 of housingsidewalls 56 and 58.

Each unitary endplate 34 is formed at an inner face thereof with anarcuate, inwardly opening inwardly-opening slot or groove 200 extendingalong a bounding peripheral edge zone thereof for slideably receiving,to seat in sealing engagement therewith, an end edge end-edge portion oflens 80, thereby providing sealing engagement of lens 80 with groove200. The inner face of unitary endplate 34 is also formed for acceptingtherewithin, in mating and sealing engagement, the extruded housing 24.

For example, downwardly-projecting strips 110, 112 respectively extendlongitudinally along a lineal expanse of sidewalls 56, 58. At their freeend edges end-edges, strips 110, 112 respectively abut in sealingengagement with unitary endplate 34. Channel 200, which opens outwardly,is contoured, configured and sized at its opposite lateral portions forreceiving in close and sealing engagement therewithin the respectiveopposed edge portions 72 and 74 of the sidewalls 56 and 58.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-B, a die cut gasket 120 may be interposed tosealingly engage the strips 110, 112 and lens 80. As shown in FIGS.9A-9B, channel 200 of unitary endplate 34 may be aligned withcorresponding channels 96, 98 of housing 24.

EndplatesUnitary endplates 34 are structured in a skeletal, bridge-likemanner for mating engagement and positive attachment to each end ofhousing section 24, thereby providing through-frame openings. Skeletaladapter ring 40 is attachable to either unitary endplate 34 forfacilitating attachment of an additional housing section or module 24 toprovide a lighting fixture comprised of two or more modular housingsections 24.

EndplatesUnitary endplates 34 may be formed as high-strength castingshaving a metal composition, preferably being composed of a lightweightmaterial such as an aluminum alloy. Endplates Unitary endplates 34 havean inner face perimeter contour corresponding to a perimeter contour ofthe combined end-wise endwise edge of the housing section 24 includingan attached lens 80. The outer face perimeter contour of unitaryendplate 34 corresponds to a perimeter contour of the ring 40, endcap52, or other bridge being attached to endplate 34. For example, unitaryendplate 34 may have a perimeter shoulder 205 for sealingly engagingeither an inner rim 226 of coupler ring 40 or an inner edge 160 ofendcap 52 to be secured thereon.

Ring 40 has a circumscribing top wall that is integrally formedintegrally-formed with laterally extending laterally-extending ring-likeflanges 220 dimensioned and configured to overlie in sealing engagementtherewith a mating 152 wall of unitary endplate 34 formed adjacentshoulder portion 205.

As shown by way of example in a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4,an 3, 4, 5 and 6, a unitary endplate 34 is securely engaged with bodyportion 10 at each end thereof, thereby forming a housing section 24.Endplate Unitary endplate 34 has a plate-like, skeletal body 142 havinga plurality of through openings through-openings or passageways 134,136, 138 and 140 formed therein. Such passageways 134, 136, 138, 140provide wire routing structures that facilitate passage therethrough ofelectrical wires, illuminating sources, other electrical components, andrelated structures such as various cabling, adapters, etc. As describedin more detail below, passageways 134, 136, 138, 140 may each be partsof individual isolated raceways extending the entire length of module 24by including enclosed passages within body portion 10. Endplate 34 has atop flange 148 which extends continuously along a top end edge of thebase 48 for sealing engagement with housing section 24. Integrallyformed As shown in the preferred embodiment in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6,unitary endplate 34 has a top flange 148 forming a perimeter portion onthe second side of the endplate which extends continuously along a topend edge of the base 48 for sealing engagement with housing section 24.Integrally-formed with and co-extensive coextensive with the top flange48 148 and stepped downwardly with respect thereto is a peripheralsurface, second flange 152, which is offset inwardly from top flange148.

EndplateUnitary endplate 34 is formed with opposed upper side sectors190, 192 and a continuing lower arcuate section 196 thereof. As shown inthe interior view of FIG. 7, the interior side of unitary endplate 34has an uninterrupted channel 200. Channel 200 is configured and sizedfor receiving in sealing engagement therewith the end portions 81 oflens 80. Channel 200 of unitary endplate 34, as shown by example inFIGS. 9A-9B, has laterally-extending portions 202, 203 structured forrespectively receiving outward-extending flanges 114, 116 of lens 80.Similarly, vertically-oriented flange portions 86, 88 of lens 80respectively fit into channels 204, 206 of unitary endplate 34. Die-cutgasket Gasket 120 may be formed in an appropriate manner for sealing ofendplate 34, for example by being interposed for sealingly engagingstrips 110, 112 and lens 80. Gaskets can include die-cut gaskets and thelike. Lens 80 provides distribution of illuminating light emanating fromthe fixture, and is preferably composed of a high-impact,shock-resistant plastic composition, such as an acrylic plastic or apolycarbonate plastic. As shown in the example of FIGS. 9A-9B, lens 80is formed to engage channel 200.

Endcap 52 is integrally formed with a flange 156 projecting outwardlyalong a top, free edge 158 thereof. When endcap 52 is positioned inplace to mate with and close the end of housing section 24, the topflange 156 of endcap 52 is brought to overlie and to effect a sealingengagement with flange 152 of unitary endplate 34. An arcuate lowerflange 160 of endcap 52 engages and seals with a cooperating lowerflange 164 of unitary endplate 34. Endplate Unitary endplate 34 ispositively secured to the end of body portion 10 of housing section 24with screws (not shown).

Endcap 52 is integrally formed with connector posts 170 and 172projecting from the interior of the end wall 176 at opposed uppercorners thereof. A third connector post 180, also integrally formed withthe endcap 52, projects inwardly from the interior of the end wall 176at a central lower area thereof. When endcap 52 is positioned in place,the free ends of posts 170, 172 and 180 penetrate to seat, respectively,in cooperating outwardly-presented bores 184, 188 and 186 formed inunitary endplate 34.

Housing sections 24, which may be of any practical selectable lengths,each have an a unitary endplate 34 at lengthwise ends thereof. Outerfaces of unitary endplates 34 of two linearly adjacent linearly-adjacenthousing sections 24 are brought matingly to engage an interposedcoupling ring 40, thus to effect a sealed joinder of the two adjacenthousing modules 24. For example, lighting fixture 20 has a single module24 of selectable length; alternatively, any number of modular sections24 may be joined to one another endwise as a lineal or in-line array,such as two-module lighting fixture 30 shown in FIG. 2 with coupler ring40 being used to lineally connect modules 24 as shown in FIG. 4. Such iseffective to provide a lineal lighting fixture of any desired orrequired expanse.

In the example where two or more housing sections 24 joined endwise as acontinuous uninterrupted physical structure (e.g., FIG. 2) with acoupler ring 40 (e.g., FIG. 4), coupler ring 40 has generally a contourand form compatible with unitary endplate 34 and is preferably formed asa metal casting of an aluminum alloy or similar material. Coupler ring40 is formed with a plurality of through openings through-openings 210,212, 216 and 218. Such openings essentially correspond with openingsformed in the unitary endplate 34 and are in through registrythrough-registry therewith when endplate 34 and coupler ring 40 arejoined together in an assembled lighting fixture having a plurality ofbody sectors or modules 24.

Coupler ring 40 has a transversely-extending generally planargenerally-planar top surface 220 and an arcuate bottom surface 228, theflange-like top wall 220 extending laterally of the body 224 at each ofopposed sides thereof effectively to provide two opposed flangesstraddling a center portion 22. Flange-like top wall 220 may be engagedwith a downwardly displaced downwardly-displaced or stepped flange 152of an a unitary endplate 34. Endplate Unitary endplate 34 is secured tobody portion 10 of housing module 24 as previously described. A secondlighting fixture module 24 may be fastened, at its secured unitaryendplate 34 at the opposite, co-extensive coextensive second part of theflange 220 thus to effect a coupling of two housing sections 24 to oneanother endwise. In the manner described, it becomes simple and quick toproduce a row-mount lighting fixture having a selectable number ofseparate housing sections each being of a selectable length. Thus, onemay readily assemble a lighting fixture of any final overall length, asmay be required or desired.

A lighting fixture may include either a single module 24 of selectablelength or, alternatively, a plurality of modular sections, sectors, orhousing sections 24. Such may be joined to one another endwise as alineal or in-line array. The method is readily effective to provide alineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse. Many otherembodiments of the invention are possible. Modular sections 24 maybecoupled at joined ends thereof to extend normally to one another todefine a right-angle corner. Others may be connected by means of aT-shaped coupler to form a “T”. Still other modular sections, ofselectable lengths, may be connected to form an “X” or a cross “+”.Since each module 24 has unitary endplates 34 attached thereto, thechosen coupler is adapted to be secured to the respective unitaryendplate 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, lighting fixture embodiments arenot limited to extending along a straight line, but may include othergeometric configurations. For example, referring first to FIG. 10, thereis shown a fragmentary view of a lighting fixture having two modularsections 24 oriented to extend orthogonally with respect to one another.A generally rectangular connector 230 with an “L” shape has a pair ofadjacent sides 232 and 234 to which ends 236 and 238 of the modularsections 24 are sealingly joined to form a corner assembly. Theresulting fixture having an L shape is suited, for example, foraccommodating sharp bends, and for corner installations. Variouscombinations may be implemented. For example, a use of four such Lconnectors 230 and four modular sections 24 may be assembled to providea lighting fixture in the physical configuration of a closed rectangular“loop.”

In another example of a non-linear embodiment, FIG. 11 shows a generallyrectangular connector 240 having three sides 242, 244, 246 to whichthree corresponding separate modular sections 24 of the fixture areconnected. The assembled fixture of FIG. 11 thus assumes a “T”configuration.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 12. Asshown, a four-sided rectangular connector 250 has four sides to which acorresponding end 252, 254, 256, 258 of a separate module or fixturesection 24 is joined. There results a fixture having a cross (“+”) typeconfiguration. Further, an “X” type configuration of a lighting fixturemay be formed. It will be appreciated that, through the selection anduse of appropriate connectors, various open and closed loop lightingfixtures may be provided.

Individual and joined bridges and/or housing sections 24 of a givenlighting fixture establish therein, and along an entire expanse thereof,uninterrupted passageways. Such passageways may include “raceways” foraccommodating wires, cables and the like. Such may be effectivelyisolated from ballasts and lamp wires. By providing physical barriersestablishing and effectively separating a number of isolated raceways,for example, a passageway for the ballast power feed wires of afluorescent lighting fixture does not interfere with the isolatedraceways. Such a physical structural arrangement is highly desirable andis considered novel. The structural arrangement and configuration oflighting fixtures in accordance with the present invention may beutilized for effecting important physical separation of high voltage andlow voltage wiring. The utility and versatility of such lightingfixtures are thereby enhanced. The structures of unitary endplate 34 andcoaxial coupler ring 40 are skeletal in construction with a plurality ofthrough openings through-openings or passageways or runs. Such mayprovide coupling elements of extended raceways between modules 24.

For example, items that may be safely housed in an isolated raceway suchas one contained in fixtures according to the present invention, include24-volt alarm circuitry, such as wiring for a fire alarm, fiber opticnetwork cables, thermostat wires, telephone wires, etc. Suchcapabilities provided by the present invention are believed to becapabilities unique in lighting fixtures of a general linear typelinear-type.

It may be especially advantageous and convenient to fabricate all of themodular body sections 24 of a lighting fixture to be a same length.However, such arbitrary uniformity is in no sense a requirement.Conveniently, for example, individual luminaires may be formed usingsections 24 nominally 8″×24″, 8″×48″, 8″×60″, etc. Other embodiments maybe formed using sections 24 nominally 12″×24″., 12″×48″, 12″×60″, etc.

As a result of the present invention, an extendable modular lightingfixture may be structured to provide interconnections having physicaland electrical continuity. Such a structure is effectively tolerant ofand resistant to physical abuse as well as to environmental hazards. Thelighting fixture may include a linear illumination source and a lightingtrack in the housing, the lighting track including a passagewaystructured for accommodating electrical conductors for connecting thelighting fixture to an independent electrical power supply. Wire-waysmay be formed within the lighting fixture for accommodating conductivewires. The lighting fixture may further include a gasket seated andsecured in the housing along an expanse thereof and in sealingengagement for sealing the housing against invasion by objectionableambient and foreign substances. A lighting fixture may further include agasket disposed between the body of the fixture and its lens forestablishing a fluid-impervious seal between the body of the fixture andthe lens. Various structures may be used to establish a fluid-imperviousseal between the body of the fixture and the lens.

A method of making and assembling a lighting fixture having anyselectable length and finding utility in ceiling, wall and cornerinstallations including suspended mounts may include utilizing modularcomponents in selectable numbers, each component being of any desiredlength, the components being connectable to one another endwise as asealed, operating assemblage constituting a lighting fixture. A methodmay include mounting an a unitary endplate 34 on the housing-like bodysection 24 coaxially therewith at each end thereof.

A method may include fabricating any of the various components, such asby casting. A method may include forming the unitary endplates 34 todefine a parametric contour corresponding to a parametric contour ofeach end edge end-edge of housing section 24, including a surmountinglens 80 of housing section 24. A method may include casting endplates 34to define a lattice-like wall configuration including a plurality ofdividers and through openings through-openings demarking passageways inend walls of housing section 24. A method may include forming an aunitary endplate 34, at an inwardly-presented limit thereof, with acoupling structure for engaging end structures of functionally-united,inter-coupling and extending ends including extrusion and lens 80. Amethod may include forming a side or face of unitary endplate 34,opposite the side of lens 80, with a circumscribing perimeter shoulderfor selectively sealingly selectively-sealingly engaging either one of acoupler ring to be sleevedly attached thereto, or an endcap of anothermodule 24.

Further, a method may include forming a casting as a bilateral couplerto be secured to a free end of an a unitary endplate 34 mounted on anend of a body section 24. Such a casting may be formed as a ring 40including at a circumscribing top wall thereof integrally-formed,laterally extending laterally-extending ring-like flanges each beingdimensioned and configured to overlie in sealing engagement therewith amating top wall of an a unitary endplate 34. Such may provide a positiveendwise joinder of two housing sections 24 to one another in a linealarray. A method may include forming an endcap 52 of a unitary one-piececonfiguration having a base, an upstanding endwall, and a top, anddefining an integrally-formed, uninterrupted, circumscribing free edgecontoured to be congruently fittable over a corresponding circumscribingparametric shoulder of a unitary endplate 34 in sealing engagementtherewith.

A method may include forming plastics plastic lens 80 to define alongeach extending edge thereof with an angled flange for overlying an edgeof the coextensive extruded base of housing or body section 24. A methodmay include forming unitary endplate 34 34, at an inner face thereofthereof, with an outwardly opening outwardly-opening slot or grooveextending along a bounding coextensive edge zone thereof for acceptingtherewithin, in mating and sealing engagement therewith, the extrudedmetallic base component of the housing and the plastics plastic lensthereof.

A method may include configuring a unitary endplate, at one of itsfaces, to define an end face contoured for mounting thereon and affixingthereto, selectively, either an endcap 52 for capping and closinghousing 24 of the modular structure, or a ring 40 in the form of aband-like coupler. The method may include configuring such a coupler forsealingly mounting onto a unitary endplate 34 of housing 24 for joiningthe end of housing section 24 to an unitary endplate 34 of a housingbody of a second modular housing section 24 of the lighting fixture sothat the sections are sealingly joined to one another endwise.

A method may include forming an endcap 52 with an integral,circumambient, outwardly-projecting, flange-like edge portion configuredto overlie, in sealing engagement therewith, a perimetric shouldercircumscribing an outwardly presented outwardly-presented face of an aunitary endplate 34 attached to housing 24.

While the principles of the invention have been described in connectionwith presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that many changes in constructionand widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention willsuggest themselves without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, as defined in the claims. The disclosures and the descriptionherein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limitingof the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular lighting system comprising: a firstelongate housing having opposite lengthwise ends and sidewalls; anaunitary endplate structured for fastening connection to one of the endsof the first elongate housing, the endplate having a lens-receiving faceon a first side and an additional-structure-connecting face on a secondside facing away from the first side, the second side having an outerperimeter portion and a peripheral surface offset inwardly with respectto the outer perimeter portion; and an additional structure having aperipheral edge with substantially the same contour as the peripheralsurface on the second side of the endplate, the additional structurebeing connected to the endplate in that the peripheral edge of theadditional structure is proximate to and outward of the peripheralsurface on the second side of the endplate.
 2. The modular lightingsystem of claim 1 wherein the additional structure is one of: (a) abridge adapted for angularly-directable extension of the housing, (b) abridge adapted for linear extension of the housing, and (c) an endcap.3. The modular lighting system of claim 1 wherein the additionalstructure is an angularly-directable extension type extension-typebridge.
 4. The modular lighting system of claim 3 wherein theangularly-directable extension type extension-type bridge is one of anL, T, and X type.
 5. The modular lighting system of claim 1 wherein theadditional structure is a linear extension type extension-type bridge.6. The modular lighting system of claim 1 wherein the additionalstructure is an endcap.
 7. The modular lighting system of claim 1further comprising a plurality of screws or bolts further sealing theadditional structure to the endplate by fastening.
 8. The modularlighting system of claim 1 wherein the peripheral edge of the additionalstructure is snug against the peripheral surface on the second side ofthe endplate.
 9. The modular lighting system of claim 1 wherein: theperimeter portion and the inwardly-offset peripheral surface of thesecond side of the endplate extend substantially fully therearound; andthe peripheral edge of the additional-structure additional structureextends substantially fully therearound proximate to and outward of theperipheral surface on the second side of the endplate.
 10. A modularlighting system comprising: a first elongate housing having oppositelengthwise ends; an endplate structured for fastening connection to oneof the ends of the first elongate housing, the endplate having alens-receiving face on a first side and anadditional-structure-connecting face on a second side facing away fromthe first side, the second side having an outer perimeter portion and afirst peripheral surface extending in a lengthwise direction, the firstperipheral surface being inward of the outer perimeter portion; and anadditional structure having a second peripheral surface extending in alengthwise direction with substantially the same contour as the firstperipheral surface on the second side of the endplate, the additionalstructure being connected to the endplate with the second peripheralsurface being proximate to and in overlying mating engagement with thefirst peripheral surface of the second side of the endplate.
 11. Amodular lighting system comprising: a first elongate housing havingopposite lengthwise ends and sidewalls; ana unitary endplate structuredfor fastening connection to one of the ends of the first elongatehousing, the endplate having a lens-receiving face on a first side andan additional-structure-connecting face on a second side facing awayfrom the first side, the second side having an outer perimeter portionand a first peripheral surface inward of the outer perimeter portion;and an additional structure having a second peripheral surface with asubstantially similar contour as the first peripheral surface on thesecond side of the endplate, the additional structure being connected tothe endplate with the second peripheral surface of the additionalstructure being proximate to and in overlying mating engagement with thefirst peripheral surface on the second side of the endplate.